High Temperature Electronics for Harsh Environments

A high performance, high operating temperature electronic module technology has been researched and developed that achieves reliable operation for 1000 hours at 225 Deg C. The technology has been qualified with a unique approach to ensure reliable operation at maximum temperature and under high mechanical stress. The qualification model developed is somewhat unique and different from that prescribed for the aerospace and defence markets under MIL-STD-883/MIL-PRF-38534. Although specifically representative of the harsh conditions experienced at the drill tip for deep well oil and gas drilling, it is readily transferable to other market sectors. This new technology brings significant value. It enhances system performance by enabling precise electronic sensing and control at ` Point of Use' in locations of extreme environment. The paper covers some of the technologies, the qualification techniques adopted and results for a DC-DC converter module constructed with the technology developed.